Politique
-Asian and European leaders agree to "undertake effective and comprehensive reform of the international monetary and financial systems", presumably at the November 15th G20 summit called by Bush in Washington.
-In his boldest move of a busy week, Sarkozy announced France was creating a sovereign wealth fund to protect national industries from foreign takeover. The slippery slope to protectionism in Europe is being greased.
-US-Iraqi negotiations over Status of Forces Agreement in serious trouble.
-Conflicting signals out of Pakistan: parliament passes resolution condemning "America's war", calling for dialogue with extremists and an end to military action along Afghan border. Within 24 hours, a top military commander claims his forces have seized key village in border region and inflicted heavy casualties on militants, saying "The worst is over...we've turned a corner". Huh...
Economia
-OPEC announces production cut of 1.5 mbd, oil markets shrug it off as crude hits 16-month low.
-Good week/bad week for China: Communist Party leaders approve rural land reform, a giant step towards full rural property rights. China's year-on-year (sorry, Dave) Q3 GDP growth was 9%, its slowest rate in five years.
-Pakistan is in talks with the IMF over an assistance package, joining Hungary and Iceland in returning the troubled institution to relevance. Political power struggle is jeopardizing Ukraine's desperately needed package.
-Currency markets continue extreme volatility. USD and JPY are big winners, with GBP and Euro falling to multi-year lows against the greenback.
The Rest
-India launches first space mission.
-Arsenal manhandles Fenerbahce in Champions League, Spurs sack Juande Ramos and name Pompey's Harry Redknapp new boss, and Hull continues dream start to EPL season.
-Latest 2008 US Election polls
-Finally, the gift that keeps on giving:
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